Demonic Hollow: Mask of Courage - Season Two: Behind The War

Episode Seven - Eclipse of Power

Ryu, in a new fit, wore a mask gifted to him by the magical demons. He sighs, his voice vocalized through the electronics of the mask. He slowly takes it off, a gust of gas follows breaking an air-tight seal. He takes a deep breath, fresh air filled his lungs. He'd been travelling for weeks, his venture for The Traitor Angel had come to an end.

He stood, a long empty field rests before him. A crooked, lanky figure treads the field, the warm, setting sun casts a long shadow that meets even Ryu. He pulls out a radio, "sir, I've found him." The transmission clicks, static, and eventually it quiets, a voice meets him on the other end, "glad to hear it Ryu. That man, that Angel, is known as The Traitor Angel. I'm sure you remember our conversation a month ago." It was the elder, he had been responsible for guiding the demon on his venture.

Ryu clicks the radio, "yessir. Thank you for your help." He cuts transmission and stuffs the radio away. He stands, cracking his neck, groaning, "alright old man, you're the door I need to open to get to the next." He leaps from his spot, and dashes through the trees, leaping branch to branch. He swiftly makes his way to the field, wind kicks up as he lands on the tough ground.

Ryu walks forward into the empty field, the sun casts warm, orange sun rays. He looks around, "alright, where did that angel go-? Huh-!" He swiftly turns around, summoning his magic sword, clashing with a new challenger. He pants, eyes widened. "I've been waiting for you, Ryu," said The Traitor Angel, ancient looking sword struggles against Ryu's magical one. He gently pulls his sword away, "my apologies for attacking you."

He pulls his hood back, an old face to match, golden hair with blue eyes. Ryu knew this look all too well, it was like he was looking at an older version of The Golden Angel. He wasn't surprised...given that he was his father. He folds his arms, "no need." The angel turns his back on the demon, "you're here to learn about The Golden Technique. However, aren't you aware of the limitations presented by this...power?"

Ryu nods, "I know. It's limited to the biology of angels, but...your son, The Golden Angel, injected me with a serum that would convert demons to angels-" The old man holds a hand up, silencing the demon, "...serum." He turns to the demon, "many years ago, the serum project started by my son was in efforts to change the tides of war." Ryu nods, "I see...he managed to create an effective serum, he converted- no, corrupted a strong fighter in my group, Michael." The traitor nods, "I see..." He looks back to the demon, "has your body gone through any unusual changes?" "No." "Then I don't see how the serum didn't work on you..."

Ryu thought for a moment, then an idea popped in his head. He understood now. "In my fight with your son, I was enraged by his trick...his attempt at converting me into an angel, and so...it awakened something within me. A power that put me far above him, it felt like my entire body was on fire, and my blood boiled," he says. The traitor looks to the demon, "I see...so you must have burned the serum out of your system before it could have any effect." Ryu knew what that meant, even if he made the revelation. He folds, "so I guess this means you aren't going to train me in The Golden Technique..." The angel smiles, "I will. That demon you're facing now is formidable, and I worry his power will eclipse yours yet again, so I will help you gain this power, even if it may bring you to insanity..."

Ryu's eyes widen, "you will?!" The traitor nods. Ryu smiles wide, "thank you! Let's get started right away!"

Tsuzuki punches through a brick wall, crumbling it to the ground. He steps through, several humans scream in terror. The demon had a crazy grin, "this will prove...quite substantial." He spent the next two hours killing and eating humans, gaining insane power, pushing him, now, far beyond Ryu, widening the gap in the meantime.

From far away, Ryu felt this surge of power. The Traitor Angel had Ryu sit and meditate, the technique was difficult on the mind, and required a balance of peace and mind. He winced, and his meditation was broken. The angel looks to him, "that demon continues to grow...it's frightening." Ryu stood, "...he's surpassed me." He folds his arms, "now that he's gained the advantage, he may attack."